"Behind empty pathetic talk of increased leisure opportunities and freedom from repetitive labour, stands the spectre of enforced idleness, wasted resources and the squandering of a whole generation of human potential.
This is vandalism on a grand scale."
vandalism on a grand scale
For years, my focus was simple. I just wanted my mam’s work to get the recognition it deserved.
I poured so much of myself into that goal that I never stopped to think about what it might feel like if it actually happened. Now that it has, it’s very complicated. Seeing her work celebrated is wonderful, but alongside the pride, there’s also a deep sadness that she isn't here to see it, which I’m still trying to come to terms with.
After the books went out of print, people kept asking if I’d ever make another one. For a long time, I just wasn’t ready. I needed some distance before I could return to the work in a way that felt right. But the requests never stopped and it was always Youth Unemployment that people wanted.
So I’m bringing it back. In a new format, with a team I trust and respect because this body of work is too important to stay out of print. It deserves to reach new eyes, and to be seen again by anyone ready to experience it differently.
The original book caught the attention of British Culture Archive. At first, they just loved the work, but over time, that connection grew into something much deeper. A collaboration that has meant so much to me over the years. When the time came to bring this new edition into the world, there was no one else I wanted to publish it with.
Vandalism on a Grand Scale
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